Egyptian Snack Brand Drops Lionel Messi Amid World Cup Controversy

Following Egypt's elimination from the 2026 World Cup round of 16 by Argentina, a local Egyptian chip manufacturer announced it will stop featuring Lionel Messi's image on its product packaging. The company, producing under the international brand "Lays," had previously used Messi's face on its bags and boxes but decided to discontinue this due to Egyptian fans' frustration over what they perceived as an unfair 3-2 loss to Argentina.

The match, held on July 10, 2026, saw Egypt leading 2-0 until the 80th minute, including a disallowed Egyptian goal after VAR intervention. Argentina staged a dramatic comeback, scoring the winning goal in the 92nd minute through midfielder Enzo Fernandez. This result advanced Argentina to the quarterfinals and sparked outrage among Egyptian players and supporters.

Egyptian team members and coaching staff openly criticized the refereeing, accusing officials of bias. Egyptian player Mostafa Ziko condemned the referee's decisions, calling the tournament "rigged" and alleging a predetermined outcome favoring Argentina. The Egyptian coach confronted referees after the match, reflecting the deep dissatisfaction with the officiating.

The controversy has extended beyond the pitch, influencing consumer behavior in Egypt, as evidenced by the boycott of Messi's image on snack products. The incident highlights the intense emotions surrounding the World Cup and the national disappointment felt in Egypt after their early exit.